DickCastledine

I'm hoping that someone else has had this problem and can tell me if there is a solution and how it can be done!

I have a Garmin GPS48 which has an internal Lithium battery to maintain the user data. This appears to have now failed completely after a long period of 'memory battery low' messages. I have spoken to Garmin who tell me that they can no longer repair this GPS (but they can repair the earlier GPS 45XL which uses the same case!).
As the GPS is otherwise fully functional I am reluctant to bin a piece of kit that should be fixable. My difficulty is in knowing how to open up the case so that it can be reassembled once the lithium cell has been replaced.

Anyone been there and done it?

Max

Unfortunately that is a bit before my time - but if it's just a battery there has to be some way to get in there (if it is indeed intended to be serviceable).

Did you check with Garmin US service or their Eu department? ...just thinking trying with a different service center might get you different results.

If they think you're absurd for calling the wrong centre, just tell them you're travelling


Checking around on the web I cannot find any hi-res pics of the device, can you take a few and post them here? If I can see some clear photos of it I might have some suggestions - or maybe some of the folks here have seen a '48 and just not known it?

DickCastledine

Thanks Max. Since posting my original message I've discovered that the case is ultrasonically sealed and nitrogen filled - basically not user serviceable! I've also learnt that Garmin knew that they had a problem with a batch of lithium batteries and were 'repairing' GPS48 sets for a while. Presumably this meant breaking the case open and then putting the innards back into a new case once they were fixed. Garmin Support has told me that demand for this service dropped off and as a result they ceased to offer it. There's a good picture of the GPS 48 here:
Garmin GPS 48, P/N: 010-00144-00 - GPS City Canada
I think I have to accept that this device has had its day, but I shall be pressing Garmin for an advantageous deal on a GPS72 or 60, which seem to be the closest match to the facilities of the 48 for marine use.

Max

Sorry to hear the bad news Dick

That is a pretty insane case, but doesen't surprise me with it being a marine designated unit & all.

There is another alternative:
eBay Motors: Garmin GPS 48 handheld hiking,car,boating, sailboat (item 330181340472 end time Nov-01-07 17:19:27 PDT)

DickCastledine

Thanks for the link Max. I hadn't thought to extend an eBay search to the US ( I did look in Europe and UK and found no matches!). Postal costs may make a purchase prohibitive, but I'll find out!
When it is fully functional this unit is pretty good. It's been across the N Sea more than a few times, and has also crossed the Aegean!

Max

Yeah it seems there are a few of them on ebay, I was shocked how many of the older Garmin units were on there actually

If you find a good deal but someone that wants to jack you on shipping - give him (usa) zip code 01824 and send me a pm